Waltrip and his family announced in a statement last week that he had been diagnosed with frontotemporal degeneration (FTD), complicated by possible chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).NASCAR star Ross Chastain said Waltrip has been a staple of the sport for Chastain’s entire life."Sad.
I mean, Darrell's a guy that I've known his name my entire life, and then I've gotten to meet him just a few times.Yeah, it's just, it's sad to think of age and everything that they said the announcement is, I read it just like everybody else did, and I haven't talked to anybody," Chastain told OutKick in a recent interview on behalf of Busch Light.This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners.
If you sign up or place a wager, FOX News may be compensated.This content was created by a team that works independently from the FOX newsroom.CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGERoss Chastain waves to fans during driver introductions before the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway in Darlington, S.C., on Sept.
6, 2026.(Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Chastain said that he and the community will support Waltrip however they can.
Waltrip’s family said his condition was likely caused by injuries sustained during his illustrious racing career."While this disease will inevitably progress, thankfully it is currently limited to some minor noticeable symptoms," the statement, put out by Darrell and his wife, Stevie, said."As a result, he will be stepping further away from the public limelight.
Be assured, Darrell is happy and otherwise healthy — spending his time with his wife, Stevie, two daughters and his three young grandchildren.We are all grateful for your continued prayer, love and support!"THE CRAIG CARTON SHOW–UNFILTERED, UNAPOLOGETIC AND UNMISSABLE.
DOWNLOAD HIS DAILY PODCAST NOW!A fan shows support for Darrell Waltrip during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Ra...